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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community development and engagement projects, shaping the future of vibrant places.
- Company: Join Cratus, a forward-thinking company dedicated to building strong communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and private medical insurance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in community development and leadership skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for creativity and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About us
At Cratus, we believe communities are built through relationships and strengthened through conversations. Our Communities and Placemaking team works alongside developers, councils and delivery partners to build trust, reduce risk and create places where people genuinely want to live. We support projects throughout their lifecycle from early engagement and consultation, through construction and into occupation. We act as a trusted, visible presence for residents, councillors and site teams creating communities and dealing with crises. We listen first, design engagement that reaches beyond the usual voices, and stay involved to create cohesive communities. Our work brings together community engagement, communications, placemaking and reputation management to create social value, strengthen reputations and support successful delivery.
As demand for this work continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced leader to shape the next phase of the Communities team.
The role
The Communities and Placemaking Director/Associate Director will play a fundamental role in the development of the Communities team, from helping to shape the vision and strategy for the next five years. You will be an expert in community development and engagement, responsible for building and leading a team that can deliver on this vision, while also growing a strong and sustainable client base. The role suits someone creative, with drive and ambition.
You will be responsible for developing and delivering a marketing and business development plan to support the growth of the team, including making smart decisions about where to focus time, energy and budget to maximise impact. You will work to build Cratus Group's reputation and ensure the business becomes an obvious choice for communities and placemaking work.
As a senior member of the business, you will lead by example: setting direction, shaping culture and ensuring high-quality delivery for clients and communities alike.
Core focus areas
- Joint development of strategy and vision for the next five years
- Client delivery
- Team development and leadership
- Business development
Development of strategy and vision
- Reviewing the market to understand which organisations are funding communities and placemaking projects now, and where future opportunities are likely to emerge
- Working collaboratively to develop a clear team strategy, vision, identity and culture that can capture this market
- Defining a practical pathway to delivering the strategy and vision, including consideration of resourcing, marketing and capability needs
Client delivery
- Managing senior client relationships and acting as a trusted adviser
- Quality assurance across all Communities projects within the region (and, where agreed, supporting work in other regions)
- Leading the direct delivery of large or strategically important projects
- Coordinating with other Cratus teams to deliver integrated solutions
- Supporting the development of new services and approaches in response to client and market needs
Team development and leadership
- Leading, developing and mentoring a small, highly talented and motivated team
- Recruiting and retaining staff to meet business objectives, and actively managing resourcing to respond to business needs
- Capacity planning across the team
- Developing and presenting the Communities business plan
- Providing accurate and timely information to support business decision-making
- Supporting the wider management team in fostering positive staff morale and contributing to internal events and culture
Business development
- Building Cratus' reputation for community building and placemaking, including developing strong political and commercial relationships
- Identifying short-, medium- and long-term opportunities for the Communities team
- Delivering business development activity to meet and exceed agreed objectives
- Developing and implementing a Communities marketing strategy, aligned with wider company activity
- Coordinating with Cratus-wide business development efforts
- Cross-selling other Cratus services and ensuring Communities services are cross-sold by colleagues
- Managing the Communities team business development budget
The offer
- Salary: Competitive
- 28 days annual leave + bank holidays + birthday leave + one volunteering day
- Central London office with good coffee, free snacks and on-site gym with classes
- Regular team socials and company-wide events
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Private medical insurance upon becoming permanent
Director / Associate Director (Communities and Placemaking) in London employer: Cratus Group
Contact Detail:
Cratus Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director / Associate Director (Communities and Placemaking) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for community engagement! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas on how to create cohesive communities. Let them see your drive and creativity – it’s what they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals. This will demonstrate that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly understands their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s build those communities together!
We think you need these skills to ace Director / Associate Director (Communities and Placemaking) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Communities: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community development and engagement shine through. We want to see how you connect with our mission of building relationships and creating places where people love to live.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in community engagement and placemaking. We’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire, so share specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects or teams in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your skills and experiences. Avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Cratus.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cratus Group
✨Know Your Community Engagement Strategies
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and best practices in community engagement and placemaking. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully built relationships and trust within communities, as this will show your expertise and alignment with Cratus's values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Director or Associate Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership style. Prepare to share experiences where you've led teams, mentored staff, and developed talent. Highlight how you foster a positive team culture and ensure high-quality delivery for clients.
✨Understand the Business Development Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current market for community and placemaking projects. Be prepared to discuss how you would identify opportunities for growth and develop a marketing strategy that aligns with Cratus's goals. This shows you're not just a leader but also a strategic thinker.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions about Cratus's vision for the future and how the Communities team fits into that. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
